Carrara White
Carrara White is the classic Italian white marble: a soft white to light gray ground with fine, feathery gray veining. It is the most widely used marble in the world, which makes it the safest choice when you want real stone that will still look right in ten years. Compared with Calacatta Gold it is quieter, grayer and more affordable; compared with Thassos it has visible veining and a warmer tone. This collection holds 90 Carrara White tiles and mosaics in polished, honed and tumbled finishes.
What's in the collection
Field tile in 12x12, 6x6, 4x4, 3x6 and 4x12 subway, 2x4 brick and 2x2 squares; 12x12 mosaics in hexagon, basketweave, herringbone, arabesque, chevron, octagon and dot, pebble and 1x2 brick; and a full trim set with pencil liners, chair rails, corners and bullnose. Most pieces come polished or honed; a few are tumbled for a softer, aged look.
Where to use Carrara White
Bathroom floors and shower walls are the classic use, with a honed hexagon or basketweave on the shower floor. In kitchens it works as a subway backsplash or a herringbone feature behind the range. Carrara pairs with white, gray or navy cabinets, chrome, nickel or brass hardware, and both warm and cool whites.
Polished or honed
Polished shows the veining and reflects light; it is the usual choice for walls, backsplashes and low-traffic floors. Honed is matte, hides etching and water spots, and gives better grip, so it is the choice for shower floors and busy floors. Tumbled Carrara has rounded edges and a chalky surface for a rustic or old-world look.
Care
Seal after installation and re-seal every year or two. Carrara is softer than porcelain, so use felt pads under furniture and a neutral cleaner. Light gray grout blends with the veining; bright white grout makes the grid stand out.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Carrara and Calacatta?
Carrara is grayer with fine, soft veins and is more affordable and more available. Calacatta is whiter with bolder gray and gold veining and costs more. Both come from the same mountains in Tuscany.
Is Carrara marble good for a shower?
Yes. Use honed tile on the floor, polished or honed on the walls, seal it, and use a squeegee after showers to limit water spots and soap film.
Does Carrara White marble stain?
It can etch from acids and absorb oil if unsealed. Sealing, quick wipe-ups and a pH-neutral cleaner keep it looking new. Honed finishes hide small etches better than polished.
Does Carrara need sealing?
Yes. Marble is porous. Apply a penetrating sealer after grout cures, wipe off the excess, and re-seal every 1–2 years in showers and kitchens. Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner; vinegar, lemon and bleach etch the surface.
Do you sell samples?
Yes. Every tile and mosaic here has a sample listing. Natural stone varies from lot to lot, so order a sample first, and buy all the tile for one project at the same time so it comes from one lot.
How fast does it ship?
In stock in the US and ships in 2–3 business days. Boxed tile and mosaics ship by ground; larger orders go LTL freight.
